‘Three million to use Lagos waterways’

No fewer than three million persons are expected to be transported monthly through Lagos waterways this year, Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Mr Olayinka Marinho has said.

He said over two million persons travel by water monthly, adding that the government is investing on water transportation to de-congest the roads.

He said the government was willing to push high capacity boats on the waterways.

“A great number of people are now getting to know the gains in water transportation. It is safe, cheap and very quick. You get to your destination in good time. We have been able to move about two million people per month; and if you look at our figures, they are still rising.

“And we aim to increase the number to three million monthly as we plan to push more boats on the waterways,” Marinho said.

He said the authority has increased its awareness campaign on the advantages of the waterways and more operators and vessels are now on the waterways.

“The Lagos State government will, before the end of the first quarter, push out more high capacity ferries on the waterways to enhance water transportation.“

According to him, more than 200 vessels are being operated by about 50 operators on the waterways, adding that more are being expected.

The LASWA boss said the authority is making concerted effort to ensure safety on its waterways through the enforcement of life jackets usage before embarking on voyage.

“Our water guards usually supervise each of the jetties to ensure that passengers comply with the safety requirements of LASWA.

“The agency enforces a lot of safety check; we certify and inspect all the boats that travel within the waterways to enhance safety,“ he said.

He said that safety is paramount to the authority and advised operators and passengers to always obey the rules.